Since 2005, the annual Edinboro Art & Music Festival has quickly grown to become one of the regions most beloved and unequaled festivals of it’s kind. This 3 day event showcases the grassroots art and music that is unique to the spirit of Appalachian culture and tradition. With a focus on the honesty of mountain living and rustic flare, the folksiness of the Art and Music Festival manages to be always authentic and never kitsch. Those who are looking for a genuine heartfelt ode to Western Pennsylvania provincialism and folk charm, look no farther. The Edinboro Art and Music Festival is the country festival you’ve been looking for.

Music plays a dominating and central role in the Edinboro art and Music Festival. This is in no way a bad thing. Over the three day event, almost three dozen local and regional musical acts take to the stage to serenade and enthrall festival goers. Impromptu jam sessions are not unheard of, even outside of the designated “Jam Ten”. There also happens to be a large collection of workshops interested in music available to interested guests. These workshops include everything from learning the fiddle to perfecting the mandolin.

The art side of things is a bit more modest, with about two dozen vendors gracing the downtown festival. But what the vendor shows lacks in quantity, it makes up tn fold in quality. Furthermore, these artists cover a surprising range of mediums. Everything from metal working and smiting, to hand made jewelry, furniture, wood crafts, porcelains, paintings, soaps, and pottery. There is a small collection of local food staples or sale as well, mostly by the way of salsas, honey, and syrups.

This is most certainly a family affair, so in addition to the craft show, there are plenty of thins to do for the children. Activities include things like finger paining, face painting, storytelling and sing-a-longs, juggling shows and arts and crafts. For food, there is a small variety of street vendors, but with the festival covering the greater part of the downtown, it is good bit more rewarding to hit up a few local eateries. These food places are certainly ready to cater.

Admission cost is free and most events are free. Parking is in town. The festival covers a large area and transportation should be arranged between events for those who don’t easily get around.